Off-road menace fined for beach ride

A 22-year-old male has appeared in court after he was caught on video riding an off-road bike at speed on a public beach in January this year.

James Sheppard appeared before Canterbury magistrates on Thursday and was fined a total of £675 and costs of £50 after members of the public videoed the helmetless rider tearing along the beach at estimated speeds over 60mph.

A picture of Sheppard, defiantly gawping at a member of the public who captured the offence, was later plastered on the front page of local newspaper the Whitstable Times. Pictures and video footage were then handed in to local Police.

In court, Sheppard admitted three offences of riding the bike on the beach and shoreline, and also admitted failing to wear protective headgear.

Sheppard, of Daimler Avenue, Herne Bay, told the court he had not realised he had been breaking the law and was sorry.